Police slam BNP vigilante patrols

Police and community leaders have criticised a vigilante patrol set up by members of the far-right British National Party.

Wiltshire BNP organiser Mike Howson said that in response to concerns from local residents, the party sent some of its members to walk the streets of Corsham last Friday looking for anyone committing anti-social behaviour.

He confirmed the patrol - which he described as a "good, calming influence on local yobs" - was the first of its kind in the area, but said others could follow.

However, the move was today condemned by local politicians and the police.

Corsham town councillor Peter Davis condemned the idea as an "inappropriate mix of politics and policing".

"I don't think activities like this serve any useful purpose," he said. "I hold a surgery every month when members of the public come to talk to me about concerns and problems. I have never had anybody bring issues of anti-social behaviour in Corsham to my attention before or say that patrols of this nature are necessary."

And Corsham police inspector Gavin Williams said: "These are vigilante patrols by members of the public. They have no more powers than any other members of the public. From our side of things we can't encourage or condone that. Anti-social behaviour has not increased in Corsham and police continue to work closely with the community and local authorities at district and parish levels. Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties to live in and visit, and we are committed to be pro-active in working with other agencies towards reducing anti-social behaviour."

Mr Howson said that if members of his group saw any anti-social behaviour going on, they would talk to the people involved and "show them the error of their ways".

In some cases they would escort youngsters back to their parents, he said, adding: "We were asked by local residents if we could start patrols up to stop yobbery on the estates. Friday's patrol was at the whim of the residents and the Corsham patrol went ahead with the backing of local residents. We have told the police and asked if they want to come on board, but to date we've had no response."

The BNP denies allegations of vigilantism and claims it is working within the boundaries of the law. According to its website, the patrol learnt that gangs hanging around Corsham town centre were involved in a power struggle.

The party said no citizen's arrests were made, but local yobs were surprised by their presence. They also claim information was passed their way which they were happy to share with the police.

North Wiltshire District Council community safety officer Mark Rippon said the council received a letter from the BNP in January claiming the residents of estates in Corsham were being abandoned at the mercy of yobs.

He said: "People should not take the law into their own hands. If they have any information they should pass it to ourselves, the police or their local council."

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